Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge located at the southern end of the Great Salt Lake Desert near Dugway, Utah. Refuge History: Over 35,000 years ago the marshes of Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge were part of the lake-bed of Lake Bonneville 850 feet below the lake’s surface. About 13,000 years ago the lake began to slowly drain and evaporate and after about 1,600 years all that was left were the Fish Springs marshes. The first human inhabitants of this region arrived over 11,000 years ago. In the mid-19th century the Pony Express started bringing white settlers into the region. After the Pony Express came the Transcontinental Telegraph line and eventually the Central Overland Stage which brought many people to the region including Horace Greeley and Mark Twain. In the early 20th century the Lincoln Highway was built and a pioneer named John Thomas established a ranch here helping to provide lodging, fuel, and food to the motorists passing through the area. Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1959 in order to provide refuge for migratory birds and other resident wildlife. Wildlife: Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the home of numerous wild critters including coyotes, muskrats, jackrabbits, and over 280 bird species. Please treat their home with respect. For the lover of the outdoors this refuge boasts miles of gravel roads, picnic tables, and so much more. Come on out and have a blast!